As we approach the midway point of Term 1, I am pleased to report that the start to the 2026 school year has been exceptionally positive. It has been pleasing to see both students and staff re-establish the positive routines and habits that can sometimes fade over the summer break. Our focus on BSEM strategies, such as lining up outside the classroom and clearly articulating the Learning Goal in each lesson, reflects the Consistent Predictable Routines (CPR) we expect to see implemented consistently by all teachers.

Our induction programs have ensured that both students and staff have a clear understanding of their roles in providing a high-quality educational environment. These programs also help to establish consistency in approach across the college. There has been a strong focus on ensuring that students are ready for class each lesson and are well organised. Staff have very clear expectations that students arrive on time, with the required equipment, including their school diary, and are prepared to actively engage in their learning.

Swimming Carnival

A reminder that the Swimming Carnival will be held on Friday, 6^th March. This is another great opportunity for students to be active, make new friends, and support their house colours. Permission and payment are due by Wednesday, 25^th February. Please note that approvals and payments will not be accepted after this date.

VCE Information Evening

The VCE Information Evening held on Thursday, 19^th February was highly informative. Thank you to Ms Morabito and the Senior School team for providing valuable insight into what it takes to succeed in VCE. Please do not hesitate to contact the team if your child requires additional support.

Year 7 Parent Evening

Thank you also to Mr Gio and the Junior School team for organising the Year 7 Parent Evening on 18^th Wednesday, February. It was wonderful to meet many of our new parents and families, and we look forward to building a strong and successful partnership throughout your child’s secondary schooling journey over the next six years.

Year 10 Civics

On Monday 2^nd March, we look forward to welcoming our local state member, Minister for Education and Deputy Premier, Ben Carroll, to the college. He will be a guest speaker for our Year 10 students undertaking the Civics program, where he will share his experiences, answer student questions, and explain how the different levels of government in Australia operate.

School Programs

I am pleased to report that, despite ongoing challenges across the system, the college has once again been able to fund our tutoring and extension programs. The tutoring program has enabled more effective differentiation within a secondary school setting, and our evidence continues to show significant benefits for students involved. Our extension programs have also been further enhanced this year through the trial of our new science enrichment program, RASP.

The college has also invested in a scaffolded numeracy program. This semester, we are targeting our Year 7 cohort with the support of our Numeracy Coach, Rob Park. The program has undergone multiple iterations over the past three years and is refined annually to meet cohort needs, informed by PAT data and feedback from our feeder primary schools.

Attendance

The importance of attending school every day cannot be overstated. Regular attendance is essential for learning continuity and wellbeing. I remind families that all classrooms are fitted with refrigerated cooling, and students are permitted to bring a water bottle to class. A hot day is not an acceptable reason to remain at home.

Homework Programs

The college also offers several after-school homework programs. These sessions are supervised by teaching staff and are designed to support students who would benefit from additional structured homework time. Families are encouraged to utilise this valuable resource where appropriate.

Policy Information

Our school is guided by a comprehensive range of policies that support a safe, consistent, and high-quality learning environment. Most policies are available on the school website and operate under a scheduled review cycle. Some require annual updates, while others are reviewed every three to four years.

Our School Council plays an important role in reviewing and approving many of these policies. The Council is made up of elected parent and staff representatives, as well as members of the college leadership team appointed by the Principal. At times, the Council may seek broader community consultation on specific policies, and families will be notified through the school newsletter when this occurs.

Policies scheduled for review during the first few School Council meetings this year include:

• Child Safe Responding and Reporting Obligations
• Student Safety and Wellbeing
• Child Safety Code of Conduct
• Student Engagement and Wellbeing

Additional policies will be reviewed throughout the year. Families wishing to provide feedback are welcome to speak with a School Councillor or contact the School Council President directly.

Annual Privacy Reminder for Our School Community

Our school collects and uses student and parent personal information for standard school functions or where permitted by law, as stated in the Schools’ privacy policy and the Schools’ privacy collection notice.

Our Photographing, Filming and Recording Students policy Policies - Rosehill Secondary College, describes how we collect and use photographs, video and recordings of students. The policy also explains when parent consent is required and how it can be provided and withdrawn.

We ask parents to also review the guidance we provide on how we use [Microsoft 365/Google Workspace for Education] safely at the school and what parents can do to further protect their child’s information. If after reviewing the guidance, you have any questions or concerns regarding your child using [Microsoft 365/Google Workspace for Education], please contact the school.

For more information about privacy, refer to: Schools’ privacy policy: information for parents. This information is also available in eleven community languages:

• Amharic
• Arabic
• Chinese
• Dari
• Gujarati
• Mandarin
• Somali
• Sudanese
• Turkish
• Urdu
• Vietnamese

Mobile Devices

Parents and guardians are reminded that mobile phones and AirPods are not permitted during school hours. Any devices seen will be confiscated in line with school policy. Thank you to the many families who continue to support this important Department of Education initiative.

Professional Learning

Last week, the school had an early finish on Thursday 12^th February to allow all staff to attend a professional learning workshop led by our literacy consultant, Terri Campbell. Terri provides explicit and practical strategies for embedding high-quality literacy practices across all faculties. Literacy remains a whole-school priority and is critical to ensuring academic success across all learning areas.

Finally, many families will be aware that the college has a school-wide reading program that forms an important part of our literacy strategy. Families can support this by encouraging a love of reading at home discuss books with your child, encourage reading of physical texts where possible, limit online reading, and provide a quiet, comfortable space for reading.

Over the summer, I was fortunate to read several books, all of which I thoroughly enjoyed. I am currently finishing Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi, and I look forward to reading The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho next.

Thank you for your continued support of the college and our shared commitment to student learning and wellbeing.

Arthur Soumalias

PRINCIPAL

School Policies have been updated in line with Department of Education and Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority requirements. Parents may review these on the school website https://www.rosehillsc.vic.edu... Minimum Standards Compliance – June 2022.

Recently, our Year 12 VM students completed two workshops: Food Handling and Responsible Serving of Alcohol (RSA).

These workshops provide students with the essential skills needed to work in the food service and hospitality industries. In the Food Handling course, students learned about proper hygiene, safe food storage, and correct food preparation techniques. They also gained an understanding of how to prevent foodborne illnesses and maintain a clean and safe workplace.

The Responsible Serving of Alcohol course focused on the legal and ethical responsibilities involved in serving alcohol. Students learned how to serve drinks responsibly, recognise signs of intoxication, and ensure the safety and wellbeing of customers.

Both workshops were highly engaging and interactive. After preparing chocolate balls, students had the opportunity to wear impairment goggles that simulated the effects of significant alcohol intoxication. Attempting simple tasks such as throwing a ball to one another, walking in a straight line, and giving a high five proved surprisingly challenging highlighting the importance of remaining within legal alcohol limits.

Together, these workshops help prepare students for future employment while building their confidence, professionalism, and sense of responsibility in hospitality careers.

Vicki Handris

VCE VM LEADER

BBQ Fundraising Event at the Swimming Carnival

Bring your cash to the Swimming Carnival to support the fundraising effort of the VCE VM team who will be running a BBQ at the Oak Park Swimming Carnival

• Sausages: $2.50
• Drinks: $2.50
• Onions: $0.50 cents